Presentation given by Justin Milward, Woodland Trust - Green Connect 2, 6th October

1. Green Connect 2–
6th October 2012
‘Trees are good for you !’
Justin Milward, Regional & Local
Government Officer (SW)

2. Agenda
1. Woodland Trust – who we are and what
we do
2. The benefits of woodland
3. The Woodland Trust and delivery

3. The Woodland Trust
Conservation charity formed in 1972 in Devon –
40th Anniversary !
Now own over 1,000 sites across UK covering
20,000ha
Approx 300,000 members & supporters

4. Our Vision
A UK rich in native trees and woods, enjoyed and
valued by everyone

5. 3 key aims
To enable the creation of more native
woods and places rich in trees
To protect native woods, trees and their
wildlife for the future
To inspire everyone to enjoy and value
woods and trees

6. The unique range of benefits
of trees, woods and forests
• Wildlife
• Health & wellbeing
• Climate change
• Water benefits
• Economy
• Sustainable communities

7. 1. Wildlife
• Biodiversity
• Landscape
• Ecosystems Services
(£2bn)

8. 2. Health and wellbeing
"Access to green spaces is associated with better mental and physical health across
socioeconomic groups."
"Defra will lead a national campaign to increase tree planting throughout
England, particularly in areas where tree cover would help to improve residents' quality
of life and reduce the negative effects of deprivation, including health inequalities."
White Paper - Healthy Lives, Healthy People; Dept of Health, Nov 2010

9. Report of the Government’s
Independent Panel on Forestry
“As a Panel, we want many more opportunities
for more people to enjoy the health and
well-being benefits of woodlands”
(July 2012)

10. 3. Climate change
Trees and woods have
a key role to play:
• As components of
sustainable urban
drainage systems
• Flood amelioration
and water purity
• Absorb carbon
• Renewable energy

11. Energy source - woodfuel

12. 4. Water benefits:
Water quality Flooding

13. Water Directive Framework
“There is strong evidence
to support woodland
creation in appropriate
locations to achieve water
management and water
quality objectives”

15. 5. Economic dividends
Does money
grow on trees?

16. Trees can help save money

17. 6. Sustainable communities
Engaging local neighbourhoods
Potential for community ownership and management –
neighbourhood planning via Localism Act

18. Create a sense of place

19. ....and a sense of local ownership

20. Woodland creation is currently
high up the policy agenda....
“There is a huge opportunity for
England’s woodlands to drive a
sustainable economic revival, to
improve the health and well-
being of the nation, and to
provide better and more
connected places for nature.”
Independent Panel (July 2012)

23. MOREwoods

24. woodlandtrust.org.uk
woodlandtrust.org.uk/neighbourhood-planning
justinmilward@woodlandtrust.org.uk